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`About HNCs and HNDs - SQA
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`About HNCs and HNDs
`HNCs and HNDs are designed to meet the needs of employers. We develop HNCs and HNDs
`in partnership with colleges, universities and industry.
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`Achieving an Higher National Certificate (HNC) or a Higher National Diploma (HND) is one of
`the best ways to achieve your ambition of a career with prospects.
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`There are HNC and HND courses in a huge range of subjects from Accounting to Video
`Production so whatever career you want to follow, there is sure to be a course for you.
`What is a Higher National Qualification?
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`HNC and HND courses provide both the practical skills you need to do a job and the
`theoretical knowledge your employer will expect you to have.
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`All the courses are made up of Higher National Units.
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`HNCs are made up of 96 SCQF credit points and usually take one year to complete
`HNDs are made up of 240 SCQF credit points and usually take two years to complete
`HNCs and HNDs provide a pathway to higher education
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`Higher National qualifications don't just qualify you for work.
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`Some HNCs allow direct entry into the second year of a degree programme, and some HNDs
`allow direct entry to third year.
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`HNCs and HNDs can also give you the knowledge and understanding required for Scottish
`Vocational Qualifications (SVQs).
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`Articulation
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`You may articulate to university degree programmes. Contact college Student Advisors or
`university External Engagement staff for more information.
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`https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/168.2432.html
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`About HNCs and HNDs - SQA
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`Recognition of HNDs by professional bodies
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`Many professional bodies in the UK recognise the quality and value of an SQA HND
`qualification.
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`This has led a high number of bodies to enter into agreements with SQA which recognises
`this value by way of articulation and professional recognition:
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`Exemptions (partial and full) to professional body exams
`Accepted as a membership entry requirement
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`Information about what agreements are in place can be found on the relevant qualification
`pages and in the group award specifications.
`How to get started with an HNC or HND
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`The recommended qualification for entry to an HNC or HND course is one of the following:
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`a programme of national Units appropriate to the course you want to study
`two passes at Higher or above
`an equivalent qualification
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`Many colleges and training providers provide flexible ways to study for HNCs and HNDs. This
`may include day release, part-time, evening or distance learning.
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`https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/168.2432.html
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